Decluttering Your Space, Decluttering Your Mind
Tips for Creating a Productive Study Environment
Finding Your Perfect Mentor in College Academic Allies
Eco-Friendly Eats
Exploring Ethical Eating and Environmental Impact
Energizing Your Winter Routine Thawing the Freeze
Behind the Label
Cracking the Fair-Trade Code
The Harmony of Humanity
MLK’s Ripple Effect Worldwide
Hey there, Luxeathoners! As we head towards miles 13-15, our theme is all about finding clarity and focus in life’s adventure. Picture it like a guiding light cutting through the fog – having a clear vision helps us steer our ship with purpose. When we know our goals, values, and what matters most, we can charge ahead with confidence. It’s like turning obstacles into opportunities, challenges into stepping stones, and seeing the path ahead light up with endless potential. Let’s dive in together and prioritize finding our clarity, vision, and direction as we navigate through college life’s twists and turns!
Boost Up will focus on strengthening your immune system for a strong, healthy start to the year. Emphasizing small steps in both nutrition and other wellness practices, we aim to provide a holistic approach to well-being.
Oranges are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with immune-boosting vitamin C, which aids in fighting off infections and supporting overall health. Additionally, their high fiber content promotes digestive health, while antioxidants like flavonoids help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
Fair Trade focuses on empowering guests to support fair trade practices by purchasing products that guarantee fair wages and equitable working conditions for producers in developing countries. By choosing Fair Tradecertified goods, consumers contribute to sustainable livelihoods and foster social and environmental justice worldwide.
Fostering a Supportive
When your room is a mess, your mind is too. Research shows physical environments heavily impact our emotions, behavior, decision-making, and even relationships. The best way to keep the brain happy and productive is to tidy up your space. Here’s how to clean up your Luxeathon™ track so your brain can run free.
When optimizing your workspace, the first thing to do is declutter. Cluttered spaces increase our stress and anxiety levels. Those overwhelmed with “stuff” in their homes are more likely to procrastinate, feel unfocused, and have poor quality sleep. To keep your space mess-free, start by getting rid of trash like wrappers and discarded paper. Now, take a good look at the items in your space. What hasn’t been used in a while? Is there anything broken? If you can imagine yourself going weeks without realizing an item has gone missing, it’s time to toss it. You might toss, recycle, or donate each item depending on its condition. Try donating gently used items to a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
Designate each area of your room for an activity. Pick different spaces for studying, reading, and hobbies. In smaller living quarters like dorms, try using storage bins to hold materials for each activity. A designated academic space is especially important, as you’ll mentally associate the area with productivity. Sitting down at your study nook will get you into work mode and minimize distractions. For a work area, prioritize materials like textbooks, notebooks, and pens.
Now that you’ve eliminated junk and created a workspace, it’s time to get rid of the mess. Dirt and dust accumulate indoors, and they’re a germ breeding ground. Dust mites, mold, and other allergens thrive in a dirty space and can trigger asthma attacks or even give you an allergy. End the “germ-pocalypse” by cleaning surfaces with disinfectant, dusting, and vacuuming. Mess accumulates fast, so be sure to do this regularly!
Storage bins, shelves, and organizers are a great way to maximize a small space while keeping clutter at bay. FMRI studies from Princeton University Neuroscience Institute found disorganization leaves us feeling flighty and reduces our ability to focus. An organized space makes for better information processing, focus, and productivity. Use a filing system to catalog important papers and documents. Folders, binders, or online drives will keep everything easily accessible. Try using drawer dividers to arrange desk supplies so your favorite pen never goes missing again. To maximize space, wall-mounted organizers, hooks or pegboards are the way to go.
The Journal of Environmental Psychology found personalizing your workspace gives a better sense of control over your mind, enhances brain power and mood. Try adding cool posters, a favorite photo or plushie around the desktop. These little touches will make the area more inviting and help you enjoy studying! You can make a space extra inviting by adding a comfy pillow or blanket to your desk chair. For the drive you need, put motivational posters or self-affirmations around your space. Countless Empirical studies conclude self-integrity and motivation increase when we read or speak positive affirmations. Try writing custom affirmations for goals, and keep them close by.
Once you’ve cleaned your space, consistency is key. Clutter and dirt pile up quickly. Disinfect, organize, and evaluate areas as much as possible. The easiest way to do this is to put things away as soon as you’re finished with them. Try taking 30 minutes a week to think about what the space needs, like any decoration or organizational changes. A Luxeathoner™ is only as powerful as their environment! Clean up your space for an awesome new study nook and a productivity boost.
Do you know who stitched the sweatshirt you’re wearing? What about the phone case you’re holding? Who picked the apple you had with lunch? Most people don’t think about where their products come from, but it’s time to start. The makers of your favorite merchandise could be underpaid or overworked. Unethical business practices are more common than you think, which is why fair trade is necessary. Let’s unpack what it does for justice, the environment, and the quality of your stuff.
Fair trade is a standard that confirms products are ethically sourced. These goods are made by people who earn livable wages and work in safe conditions. Agriculture is the leading source of pollution in many countries. Chemicals used in farming can poison the environment and take generations to dispel. To protect the earth, fair trade ensures crops are farmed without Pesticides, fertilizers, and other toxic farm chemicals.
Buying fair trade benefits everyone. It protects employees by normalizing livable wages, safe working environments, and reasonable working hours. It provides farmers with tools, knowledge, and resources to grow produce without environmental damage. Best of all, you get quality items crafted by people who care.
Ethically sourced products are a top priority for Campus Dining by Thompson Hospitality. In the dining hall, you can find products endorsed by Fair-trade America, such as Bark Thins, Lara Bars, Black Forest Gummy Bears and Annie’s Snacks. Stop by your coffee shop to enjoy delicious Fair-trade certified beverages like Tazo Tea. You’ll find Fair-trade products all over campus!
A lot of people are susceptible to the impulse to buy. Before clicking add to cart, take a moment to look at the brand behind the product. Check their website to learn about their moral standards and company culture. See if they partner with companies like Rainforest Alliance, Fair-trade, or USDA Organic, which confirm ethical sourcing practices. You can even review a company’s annual reports to see the ins and outs of employee treatment.
When you’re out shopping, check labels for Fair Trade certification. Certification indicates something was made under International Labor Organization standards for workers’ rights. You can inspect labels for fair trade logos, information about the brand’s operations, and mission statements. To avoid being a label detective, buy local! A study by the Washington Post found nearly half of America’s small business owners have high ethical standards. Small businesses source products locally, so the environmental and moral impact is negligible. Support nearby small businesses and you’ll be supporting reputable practices simultaneously.
Understanding where products come from is so worth it! Fair trade benefits our environment and brings justice to toxic work environments. Try shopping fair trade as much as possible. That way, the next time someone asks, “Where’d you buy that?” You can feel good about the answer.
Buying products that comply with fair trade goes beyond getting quality merchandise. It helps us keep the earth safe and clean. Check out some of the ways fair trade is improving our environment below. Fair trade makes the earth happy! Shop ethically to protect wildlife, rural communities, and the whole world.
Fair trade products benefit the environment and community at the source. Rural areas are disproportionately affected by climate change, experiencing income loss, food insecurity, and increased farming costs. With fair trade production methods, rural farmers get the knowledge and tools to work sustainably. Their methods keep the community's natural resources thriving. Crop rotation, composting, and mulching create healthy local soil, and using nontoxic pesticides improves soil quality. Water management practices like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting conserve and protect local freshwater.
Pastures and cropland take up almost 50 percent of Earth’s habitable land. These areas are a home and resource for humans, animals and organisms alike. It’s crucial to protect them, so fair trade farmers ensure no harm comes to surrounding natural areas. By protecting wetlands, forests, and grasslands, they support biodiversity and endangered species. Ditching chemical pesticides, farmers allow the land’s natural predators to control pests for a healthy ecosystem.
Unlike some farming practices, organic farming doesn't prevent soil and plants from carbon sequestration. This reduces climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Fair Trade companies have environmental accountability from producer to retailer. They ensure shipment, packaging, and processing don't contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
On December 10, 1964, at Oslo University, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize “for the furtherance of brotherhood among men”. In his acceptance speech, MLK proclaimed “Even amid today’s mortar bursts and whining bullets, there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow. I believe that wounded justice, lying prostrate on the blood-flowing streets of our nations, can be lifted from this dust of shame to reign supreme among the children of men”. Sixty-one years later, Dr. King’s prophecy of hope has proven true.
His actions after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize raised the Civil Rights Movement to a global scale. He used his newfound international platform to make even more strides toward equality, for our country and the world. While there’s still a long way to go for justice, MLK’s used his influence to bring the world closer to it.
From an early age, it was clear MLK was destined to be a history maker. He took after his father, who was known to protest racism amid segregated 1930s Atlanta. Dr. King excelled throughout his education and returned to the South after getting a degree in theology at Boston University. As a pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, MLK was beloved in the Alabama community. He used his reputation to encourage church members to join the fight to end segregation. In 1955, MLK organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Brave Black men and women like Rosa Parks refused to give up their seats to White passengers, even if it meant being arrested or attacked.
The protests that Dr. King organized helped spark an entire civil rights movement. MLK knew he had to continue his work fighting racist Jim Crow laws. Hence, he co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Dr. King dubbed the SCLC his “mighty army of love.” The Atlanta-based organization was used to organize protests. It also hosted empowering programs like voter registration, citizenship training, and leadership seminars.
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance, Dr. King used peaceful protests to garner attention towards his cause. However, he still understood the value of making good trouble. Throughout his many sit-ins and protests, MLK was arrested 29 times. In 1963, Dr. King partnered with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to organize a series of sit-ins at white-only facilities in Birmingham, Alabama. Black protesters faced violent attacks from Birmingham police, and many, including MLK, were unjustly imprisoned. During his imprisonment, Dr. King addressed the importance of protest in a “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” famously writing “We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” The work of thousands of protesters, combined with MLK’s profound words, ushered forth the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Dr. King promised that “every penny” of Nobel Peace Prize money would go towards the Civil Rights Movement. He kept his promise, donating the funds to organizations like the Gandhi Society for Human Rights, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and the National Council of Negro Women. Dr. King knew the Nobel Peace Prize was bigger than just him. It was a tribute to millions of Americans who joined the cause for civil liberty. He regarded the prize as a sign that the global public opinion was moving towards freedom and dignity
Winning the Nobel Peace Prize gave MLK a global platform, and he used this power for good. He knew that there was more work to be done for Black Americans, even after the Civil Rights Bill was put in place. In the spring of 1968, Dr. King traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, to support Black sanitary workers who were on strike. He also expanded his advocacy to promote worldwide harmony. He gave speeches opposing the Vietnam War, South African apartheid, and nuclear war.
Martin Luther King winning the Nobel Peace Prize served as a symbol of hope. It validated his commitment to nonviolent protest and encouraged his followers to keep fighting for justice. MLK took the Civil Rights Movement to a global scale and put pressure on people to acknowledge racism. Today, his legacy is still upheld. The NAACP, an organization Dr. King respected highly, continues working towards justice for the next generation of Black Americans. To join them in creating change, visit the NAACP Website. Millions of Americans use MLK’s method of peaceful protesting to honor victims of police brutality like Breonna Taylor, Michael Brown, and George Floyd. To learn more about protecting and uplifting black voices, check out the official Black Lives Matter website.
Dr. King concluded his Nobel Peace Prize speech by emphasizing the award was “no mere recognition of the contribution of one man on the stage of history. It was a testimony to the magnificent drama of the Civil Rights Movement and the thousands of actors who had played their roles extremely well.” Along with countless unsung heroes of the civil rights movement, MLK monumentally changed America. The icon is remembered as an inspiration who built his platform on love. America is forever grateful for the actions of civil rights leaders like Dr. King, but the work isn’t done yet. Together, we can practice courage, unity, and a commitment to justice, for an even better America.
College is a lengthy journey. At times it feels overwhelming, confusing, and even scary. When the Luxeathon™ gets hard, there’s no better time to turn to a coach. Having a mentor can be incredibly beneficial for your academic and personal success. They hold you accountable, so you stay confident and motivated. A mentor can provide valuable advice about navigating problems, because they’ve probably been there themselves. But wait, how the heck do you find one? If you need a coach that’ll hype you all the way to the winner’s circle, check out these tips.
There are tons of opportunities to discover a mentor. Joining a school club or mentorship program is a great way to be paired with the ideal buddy. For professional advice, seek out professors and academic advisors. Try meeting potential mentors at networking events hosted by your school. Remember, not just anyone can be a good advisor. It should be someone you admire; with a career or social position you see yourself in. Think of someone kind and willing to share experiences or advice. That’s mentor material! Be open to finding this person anywhere. At events like First Friday Luxe Life™ Day Party or Game Night with the Campus Dining, you could meet knowledgeable new friends full of great advice. Who knows, the perfect guru might even be that cool senior in philosophy class.
A professor-student mentorship starts with building a rapport. Try to engage in class and attend office hours. Your interest will display your desire for success, and incline professors to help you reach it. Now you can seek guidance beyond the classroom. See if your professor is comfortable discussing your career goals and interests on personal time. Be prepared with specific questions about their experiences and the tips you’re looking for. Remember to express gratitude and listen intently, professors have some golden advice!
An upperclassman can be a great confidant. Like professors, they are typically older and wiser. However, upperclassmen can give you relevant social advice and a student’s perspective of academic life. With this kind of mentorship, you’ll want a more casual approach. Strike up a conversation about their college experiences. As they “spill tea” and share stories, you’ll learn more than you’d expect. If you’re in the same class, exchange information and chat about assignments. This way you both benefit by keeping each other accountable and motivated. Try to be open about your interests in learning from them, and build a friendship by hanging out beyond the classroom.
Having a mentor is awesome, so long as they don’t feel used. As with any relationship, approach things with kindness and mutual respect. Show appreciation for the time and feedback your advisor shares. Try to be an active listener, don’t just wait for a turn to talk! To make things mutually beneficial, offer your own help and guidance. You’ve got more insight than you realize! Sometimes, it’s hard to know what the right thing to do is. That’s why having someone in your corner is so helpful. Create a mentorship and you’ll get a new ally, plus tons of empowering advice. Next time you feel stranded during the Luxeathon™, you’ll know who to call.
“Orange
They're juicy and delicious, plus they contain a holy grail of nutrients. Good for the body, beauty, and brains, the super citrus does it all. In this month's endurance eats, discover how snacking on oranges will zest up your Luxe Life™.
Who doesn’t love an immunity boost? Oranges have vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that keep the body thriving. They contain vitamin C, which promotes a healthy
Oranges have a sweet, yet tangy flavor complimented by notes of refreshing citrus. Enjoy them fresh for a juicy treat. Once finished, use the peel as a water infusion, or trendy salad garnish. Savor the citrus in orange juice, or grate the zest into your favorite baked goods for a tasty tang.
Eat oranges, and your skin will thank you. The vitamin C in oranges prevents hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. They give you a luminous complexion by protecting skin from environmental pollutants and the sun. Oranges even stimulate collagen production for soft and healthy skin. They have carotenoids that kill bacteria and protect the skin barrier. The process prevents premature aging, wrinkling, and dullness. Full of vitamin A, oranges help cell turnover to keep your face even and breakout-free. Their potassium even hydrates skin and helps it absorb moisture for irresistible dewiness.
Oranges are the perfect study snack. Research suggests eating them regularly can improve memory, attention, and cognitive performance. The vitamin C in oranges protects brain cells from cognitive decline and prevents mental disorders. They also contain limonene and flavonoids that keep stress and anxiety at bay. Oranges are an excellent source of folate, which is integral for brain health and mood regulation. By making serotonin and dopamine in the body, oranges boost happiness and lower the risk of depression.
Your body loves oranges as much as you do! From delicious taste to never-ending health benefits, this citrus does it all. Stop by the dining hall where you can enjoy oranges all month long.
Chef Talk: The Art of Eating in Season
Wellness Momentum
Intuitive Eating
Sustainable Style
The Art of Food Activism
Hot Topics
How to Host Your Own LuxeLife Staycation
*EVENTS VARY BY SCHOOL
Wintertime is HARD. Somehow, cold weather plus shorter days can make all your goals fly out the window. Barometric pressure blues are real! Less sunlight lowers serotonin levels, which may leave you feeling lazy and unmotivated. Energy and movement are integral to a healthy body. The days may be getting shorter, but there’s still more Luxeathon™ ahead! Whether just warming up your routine or looking to reach new heights, you’ll need motivation. Here are a few tips to keep pace through these lazy winter months.
In the depths of laziness, there are still a few effortless ways to boost your drive. As a start, prioritize your sleep. The National Institute of Health recommends at least 7 hours a night. Getting your fill of zzz’s will repair cells, restore energy, and release good hormones. Try to be intentional about sleep. Avoid late-night scrolling through your socials, as it disrupts the body’s wind-down time and sleep quality. Instead, try relaxing activities like reading or meditation to get in the mood to snooze.
For another quick pick-me-up, drink water! Drinking water stimulates the flow of hormones that pump up your energy and mood. To feel the benefits, shoot for 9 to 10 8-oz glasses a day.
Now that you’ve got some enthusiasm, try to keep momentum. Being in the sun is a simple way to increase serotonin, resulting in more energy. This gets tricky during these short, cold days. Work near a sunny window or take a brief walk to soak up the sun’s energizing rays. Taking a moment to stretch will improve focus and vitality. A daily 10–15-minute stretch break stimulates blood flow and releases tension, leaving you energized and ready to get back to work. You can also take a break for meditation. 5-20 minutes of focused breathing activates the prefrontal cortex, lowering stress and upping energy.
Are you pumped yet? It’s time to optimize your routine with a bit more movement. Working out in the cold can be difficult, so bundle up before you go on a run. Working out during the day will keep you safe and warm, plus the sunlight will boost serotonin. If you still can’t take the cold weather, try indoor workouts like strength training and yoga. Check out your university’s gym facilities or try online workouts you can do from your room. To stay motivated and goal-oriented, plan weekly movement into your schedule. Routine exercise sends oxygen and nutrients to body tissue, and helps the cardiovascular system work efficiently Fitness will keep you happy, healthy, and energized, so prioritize it! If you can’t find time, start your day early with exercise.
It’s easy to accidentally ice out social connections during the coldest season. To make exercise more fun, try inviting a friend for a walk or workout. Hanging out with friends releases endorphins just like working out, so you’ll get an energy boost either way. It’s natural to feel less motivated during winter months. Work towards being a winter warrior, but don’t go too hard. Beating yourself up for missing workouts or being unproductive will just make you feel worse. Remember to listen to your body and allow yourself time to rest when you need it. Don’t let your ambition freeze this winter! Try out these tips for blizzard-proof enthusiasm that’ll keep you at peak performance.
Getting vaccinated is the single best way to avoid the flu. Vaccines create antibodies in your body that ward off infections. These antibodies fade away with time, so it’s important to get a vaccine annually. You can schedule a flu shot at your local pharmacy or with your student health center.
Working out stimulates antibodies and white blood cellulose they’re more efficient in warding off illness. For a high-functioning immune system, incorporate some movement into your routine. Exercise can be as simple as going for a walk outside, and the fresh air will even help your body fight pathogens! For more info on building a winter fitness routine, check out the previous article: Thawing the Freeze: Energizing Your Winter Routine.
Germs. Are. Everywhere. They stay on surfaces for up to a week, and can tansfer to you. Get rid of them by using disinfectants on frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and tables. Don’t forget to clean the personal items you carry around campus, like your phone, laptop backpack, and water bottle. You get sick when germs transfer to your mouth, eyes, or nose. To protect yourself from absorbing them, take 20 seconds to wash your hands every few hours and avoid touching your face.
During sleep, your immune system releases proteins the body needs for combatting infections. Don’t want to get sick? Aim for the recommended 7 hour minimum of nightly rest.
If your friend is sick, that coffee date can wait! Steer clear of those with a cold, as they are highly contagious. If you develop symptoms, self-isolate to prevent getting worse. Do your part in stopping the spread of germs by covering coughs.
Foods rich in vitamins C, E and zinc will strengthen the immune system to prevent cold and flu. You can find these nutrients in leafy greens, citrus fruits, garlic, ginger and turmeric. For a vitamin C boost, oranges are available all month long in the dining hall. Remember to stay hydrated so you can fully absorb these nutrients! A healthy body is the first step to success. Take precautions for a germ-free winter!
Daniela-Gabrielle Smallwood, Vice President of Marketing and Programming
daniela.smallwood@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 446–7430
Stacey Gibson, Director of Retail Marketing
stacey.gibson@thompsonhospitality.com (571) 524–8566
Editorial Staff
Gina Godwin, Creative Director
Yolanda Waters, Chief Editor
Heaven Smallwood, Editor
Jacquii A. Tilley, Contributing Writer
Joellen Allah-Mensah and Tess Mazzucchelli, Graphic Designers